Saints of old have taken this verse to mean that sin creates holes or gaps in the wall or hedge of protection that God has provided for us. And He is looking for people who will pray for and lead His people into real repentance. The Lord has used godly men and women down through the ages, like Moses, Jonah, Amos, and Esther, to intercede for their generations. Esther was afraid, but her uncle Mordecai gave her a spiritual perspective, one we might all do well to consider: “Yet who knows whether you are come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Est. 4:14). Jesus called us to be “the salt of the earth” (Matt. 5:13), for our lives to have a savory influence on the world.

Not long ago there was a reprint of an old poster in front of the local post office. It was that famous picture of Uncle Sam pointing his finger out at the viewer, declaring, “Uncle Sam needs you!” That’s the picture that comes to mind as we read this verse, except the person pointing out at us is Father God. He wanted His people in Ezekiel’s day and He wants His people today, to go out and serve Him as intercessors in His Kingdom. There is a crisis, an emergency that exists and God is seeking to conscript people into His service. He’s looking for godly men or women, prayer warriors, who will be intercessors like Moses and Daniel. God is still merciful, slow to anger, and patiently looking for an excuse to save.

“LORD, we humble ourselves, confess our sin, and pray that You would hear in heaven and heal our land.”